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BASIC RESEARCH IN CRASHWORTHINESS II - DEVELOPMENT AND TESTING OF VEHICLE SIDE STRUCTURE MODIFICATION

Structural modifications were developed for full-size, frame chassis automobiles to improve occupant protection in side collision accidents. These modifications involved redesign of the side pillars, doors, roof and frame structure to increase intrusion resistance of the occupant compartment, and to more effectively dissipate crash energy. The side structure designs are compatible with front structure modifications also developed by Calspan in a paralled effort, resulting in a unified front/side structural concept. Weight increase associated with the side structure modification were on the order of 250 to 275 lbs. of which about 150 lbs. of the structure is also related to the frontal collision mode. Vehicles incorporating side structure modifications were subjected to extensive crash testing, which included perpendicular and oblique vehicle-to-vehicle side collisions at speeds up to 45 MPH, and lateral impacts against a narrow fixed object at 21 MPH. Side impacts by both conventional and modified front structure striking vehicles were performed. Relative to conventional vehicle (base line) performance, the modified side structures demonstrated significantly enhanced crashworthiness under all of the investigated side impact conditions. /NHTSA/